Mechanic's Liens
by Jeffrey G. Gilmore and Karen E. Harrison
When a contractor is not paid for
work or materials, the primary legal
remedy is, perhaps, the mechanic's
lien. Basically, a mechanic's lien gives
you a way to collect a debt from
someone whose property you've
improved.
This discussion will focus on
fundamental concepts of most
mechanic's lien statutes. Potential
claimants, however, should speak to a
lawyer to make sure they comply
with local requirements, which vary
from state to state.
There are generally three
classifications of lien claimants: 1)
principal contractor; 2)
subcontractors; and 3) laborers,
lower-tier subcontractors, or
suppliers. In many states, including
Connecticut, Maine, and
Massachusetts, the claims of
subcontractors and suppliers cannot
exceed the amount owed to the
general contractor by the